New High Sheriff of Rutland Colonel Richard Chesterfield takes over from Richard Cole
With the future of England’s smallest county in question, the role of its high sheriff has taken on new importance.
Richard Chesterfield, a retired British Army colonel and former station commandant of Kendrew Barracks, Cottesmore, took over the position of High Sheriff of Rutland at a ceremony at Oakham Castle on Thursday.
The 65-year-old, who joined the army in 1978, served in the Royal Tank Regiment, operating Chieftain and Challenger tanks. He later held a three-year post at the British Embassy in Washington DC before and after the 9/11 attacks, and being appointed senior British liaison officer to the US Army in Europe.
Richard, who lives in Whissendine, said: “The plan with my wife, who is American, was to move to the United States when I retired at 55.
“But having come to the area in 2015 to work at Kendrew, Rutland changed our minds. We liked the place and the people were so welcoming.
“I got to meet all sorts of people from different walks of life, and having enjoyed that I was asked about whether I would like to become high sheriff.”
Rutland’s first high sheriff was appointed in 1129 to help King Henry I keep order throughout the country. High sheriffs still represent the sovereign in matters relating to the judiciary and maintenance of law and order.
Speaking at the start of the declaration ceremony, Dr Sarah Furness, Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, stressed the importance of the role in symbolising Rutland’s independence, which is being challenged by local government reorganisation. She described now as “The era of the Richards” and praised Richard Cole for having been outstanding in the role before suggesting Richard Chesterfield’s previous work with America made her “wonder if we need him there now, to deal with Trump’s America”.
During the ceremony, the position of High Sheriff of Rutland Cadet passed from Ellie Moore to Martha Barrett. Police cadet Martha will get to attend many more events in the coming year, alongside the high sheriff.
Outgoing high sheriff Richard Cole, who lives in Uppingham, thanked Kate Blank, who has served as Under Sheriff of Rutland for 14 years. She handed over to Peter Lawson, himself a former high sheriff of the county.
The selection of a new high sheriff is made by the sovereign using a silver bodkin to prick a hole through a scroll against the appointed name.
Currently there are 55 high sheriffs serving counties of England and Wales.